In recognition of the vital role federal engineers play in national security, infrastructure improvement, disaster recovery, new technologies, and other important areas, the National Society of Professional Engineers has again selected 10 high-caliber finalists for its prestigious 37th Annual Federal Engineer of the Year Award program.

The National Society of Professional Engineers installed Tim Austin, P.E., F.NSPE, as president for the 2015-16 year at the Society’s annual meeting in Seattle. Austin is a professional engineer with the firm of Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc. His diverse work experience has provided him with a unique perspective of the engineering and construction industries and he has been an experienced and accomplished manager in both the public and private sectors.

Amy M. Barrett, P.E., F.NSPE was recently awarded the 2015 NSPE President’s Award for exceptional leadership, guidance, service, and support rendered to the Society, and for serving as a devoted advocate and role model for all young engineers. Barrett received the award during the National Society of Professional Engineers’ Annual Meeting in Seattle.

Ahmet Zeytinci, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, of Washington, D.C., was recently awarded the 2015 Professional Engineers in Higher Education (PEHE) Engineering Education Excellence Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Professional Engineers in Higher Education at its annual meeting in Seattle.

Charles R. Stevens Jr., P.E., PTOE, was recently named the 2015 Young Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers at its annual meeting in Seattle.

L.G. “Skip” Lewis, Jr., P.E., F.NSPE of Greenville, S.C., was recently awarded the 2015 Distinguished Service Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers at its annual meeting in Seattle.

Dan Clinton, P.E., F.NSPE, received the National Society of Professional Engineers' most prestigious award for professional engineers at the recent 2015 annual meeting in Seattle. He was recognized for the many contributions he has made to the engineering profession, for his work as a civil engineer, and the numerous volunteer leadership roles he has undertaken on behalf of NSPE and the engineering profession over the past six decades.

Lt. Col. Patrick Miller, P.E., the commander of the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina, has been named the National Society of Professional Engineers’ 2015 Federal Engineer of the Year. Miller received the honor during the 36th Annual FEYA Banquet at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on February 26, 2015.

Engineers in the federal government are continually on the cutting edge of their profession. Whether it’s supporting military operations and facilities in the U.S. and abroad; exploring new methods of energy conservation; securing our water resources and infrastructure; developing new propulsion technologies for space exploration; preserving infrastructure and resources in our national parks; or, ensuring nuclear facility safety, these are just some of the awesome responsibilities of the 10 high-caliber finalists for this year’s Federal Engineer of the Year Award.

Donald Merritt, P.E., of Bloomington, Ill., was recently awarded the 2014 NSPE Mentor of the Year Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Merritt received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bradley University. He practiced engineering for 38 years, working for Farnsworth & Wylie Inc. and the Illinois Department of Transportation before retiring in 1999. He is a licensed PE in Illinois and Michigan and has been an NSPE member since he became licensed in 1964.